Members’ News
August 2024
FEA opens nominations for 2024 Apprentice of the Year Award #
Is the top foodservice equipment apprentice in YOUR company?
Nominations are now open for FEA’s Apprentice of the Year Award, sponsored by John Gilbert. This is the opportunity for foodservice equipment companies to celebrate the next generation, by encouraging employees who have achieved progress through training to enter.
“This award is all about looking to the future,” says Paul Anderson, chair of the Foodservice Equipment Association. “FEA is proud to run it and we are hugely grateful to John Gilbert for his passion and support. The nominees are the people who will be driving the industry in the coming decades. It’s brilliant that our industry has the opportunity to recognise and applaud their hard work and dedication, right at the beginning of their career.”
The award is open to new starters, apprentices and trainees from any discipline within a FEA member company. They should currently be undertaking an apprenticeship or workplace training programme, or have completed one within the past 12 months. A full description of the judging criteria, entry details and the entry form can be found on the FEA Industry Conference website at feaconference.co.uk. The deadline for entries is 27th September and the shortlist will be announced on 14th October.
Along with their trophy and certificate, the winner receives a £1,000 cash prize and a bursary to cover participation in FEA’s core training schemes, PFS (Principles of Food Service) and CFSP (Certified Food Service Professional). They also receive a place at next year’s FEA Conference, including overnight accommodation and travel costs. Runners up receive a certificate and trophy.
Anderson says, “The Apprentice of the Year Award is an accolade that’s recognised throughout the industry, reflecting the winner’s commitment to personal progression. I’m delighted that John Gilbert will be on hand to make the award. He is a lifelong supporter of developing and encouraging young foodservice equipment professionals. His generous sponsorship of the award highlights how upholding standards and developing skills can move the industry forward.”
The award winner and runners up will be announced at the FEA Conference Gala Dinner on Thursday 21st November 2024 at Hinckley Island Hotel. All nominees who are shortlisted will be invited to the dinner.
For more information visit feaconference.co.uk.
The picture with this release shows, from the right, last year’s Apprentice of the Year, Morris Fowler of Falcon Foodservice Equipment, with John Gilbert, centre, and Simon Frost of FEA.
The Foodservice Equipment Association (FEA) is the independent, authoritative voice of the foodservice equipment industry, representing nearly 200 companies who supply, service and maintain all types of commercial catering equipment - from utensils to full kitchen schemes. For more information on FEA visit www.fea.org.uk
Sodexo Live! wins stadium retail and premium hospitality contract with Nottingham Forest #
Sodexo Live! a global leader in hospitality services in the sports and leisure industry, is pleased to announce it has secured a five-year contract with Nottingham Forest Football Club. The agreement will see Sodexo Live! deliver an enhanced premium hospitality and retail experience at the City Ground as well as non-match day sales, marketing, and event delivery.
This partnership marks another significant addition to the Sodexo Live! portfolio, reinforcing its presence in the Premier League. Nottingham Forest fans and visitors can look forward to a transformative experience both on match days and beyond.
Sodexo Live! will deliver a comprehensive range of services, including match day retail operations, the fan zone, premium hospitality delivery, and non-match day sales, marketing, and service execution.
The Club has undertaken a multi-million pound upgrade of its hospitality facilities at The City Ground and in line with Nottingham Forest's relaunch of its new matchday hospitality offers, Sodexo Live! will introduce exciting and diverse menus designed to elevate the dining experience. The club's extensive refurbishment plans will be complemented by the global expertise of Sodexo Live! ensuring a world-class entertaining environment for all guests. The food will be led by Sodexo Live! executive head chef Darren Kelly.
The City Ground will see significant technological upgrades, which will be announced in due course, to streamline service and enhance the fan experience. On match days, attendees will enjoy an improved food and beverage offering, with Sodexo Live! committed to delivering superior quality and variety. Dining options in hospitality will have an influence of local suppliers and ingredients available in the area.
Sodexo Live! will also manage non-match day spaces, including newly refurbished suites, making the City Ground a premier destination for non-match day events and conferences. The newly upgraded Trentside Lounge, with magnificent views directly overlooking the River Trent, is a brand new events space that will accommodate over 550 guests for conferences and events. Sodexo Live! aims to maximise the stadium's use throughout the year, providing exceptional service for all types of gatherings or events.
Sodexo Live! is dedicated to making Nottingham Forest an award-winning stadium experience. A key part of this commitment is enhancing the club's marketing of the stadium as a year-round venue. This will be driven by a new Sodexo Live! marketing executive, based at the club working in collaboration with the club across new and existing marketing channels.
Additionally, Sodexo Live! will create around 15 permanent roles based at the stadium and build a strong casual workforce of approximately 500 from the Nottinghamshire area, contributing to the local economy and community.
Claire Morris, CEO Sodexo Live! UK&I, commented:
"We are absolutely delighted to partner with Nottingham Forest Football Club. This collaboration represents a fantastic opportunity to bring our food expertise in retail, event catering and hospitality to one of the Premier League's most historic clubs. We are committed to creating an exceptional stadium experience for fans and visitors, ensuring that every match day and event is memorable. Our team is eager to begin this exciting journey and contribute to the continued success of Nottingham Forest."
Paul Bell, Chief Operating Officer Nottingham Forest Football Club, added:
"We are excited to welcome Sodexo Live! to the Nottingham Forest family. With a proven track record in delivering top-tier hospitality and catering services, Sodexo Live! aligns perfectly with our vision for enhancing the matchday experience at the City Ground. This partnership will also bring the best possible service across the stadium and our brand-new Hospitality lounges for this season. We look forward to working with Sodexo Live! and creating a positive impact to all supporters and guests who visit the City Ground.”
Globally Sodexo Live! supports some of the most well-known and high-profile sports clubs, events, and stadia. In the UK it partners with Fulham FC, Brighton & Hove Albion FC, Newcastle FC and the home of Scottish football, Hampden Park as well as the prestigious Ascot Racecourse, to name a few. Internationally it delivers events such as The French Open at Roland Garros, the Tour de France, the Miami Open and F1 in Miami, Indian Wells Open in California, plus stadiums in the USA including the Hard Rock Stadium (home to the Miami Dolphins) and the Caesars Superdome, New Orleans, home to Super Bowl LIX in 2025.
Example hospitality dishes include:
Broad Bean & Baby Leek Ravioli
Toasted pine nuts, English pea & mint salsa, wild garlic foam, Cropwell Bishop blue cheese soufflé
Whipped Goats Cheese Mousse
Home cured tomatoes, candied walnuts, focaccia crisp, black olive dressing
Roasted Rack of Herdwick Lamb
Spiced kofta, charred baby gem, Miso Aubergine, Coriander Yoghurt, Minted Peas, Smoked Garlic Pomme puree
Aegean Pistachio Soufflé
Caramelised figs, honey ice cream, pistachio brittle
Restaurant Associates White Paper - Social Value as a Key Business Measure #
Premium hospitality brand, Restaurant Associates is dedicated to working in a way that has a positive impact on its people and the environment. The company collaborates with partners who share this same commitment.
In their latest white paper, Restaurant Associates explores how supply chains and procurement are incorporating social value, what support is available for businesses starting out on this journey, and the debate for adopting social value as a standard measure of commercial integrity.
These findings draw on the body of insights shared by professional speakers at a recent Social Value thought leadership event hosted by Restaurant Associates.
Key highlights include:
The integration of social value into supply chains and procurement processes is not just a trend but a fundamental shift in how businesses operate.
B Corp certification is driving this change and encouraging businesses to embed social value deeply into their operations, influencing industry standards and consumer expectations.
Adopting a “people-first” approach in the workplace empowers diversity and inclusivity and opens up opportunities of bringing in new, untapped talent.
Case studies – businesses success stories from companies that are breaking new ground, such as Compass Group UK, Foodbuy UK&I, and Ozone Coffee. Foodbuy UK&I are advocates for social enterprises and they focus on creating positive social value by engaging with and supporting small businesses – last year, 45% of its supplier portfolio was made up of small to medium businesses (SME’s). Restaurant Associates is part of Compass Group UK & Ireland, and as an organisation, Compass Group UK & Ireland is on its own social value journey - pledging to support one million people by 2030 through its Social Promise. A series of initiatives that aim to foster education, improve employability, promote wellness and self-care, and support local communities.
Carol Sommerville, Compass Group UK & Ireland’s Chief People Officer said: “Our goal is to touch the lives of 1 million people – it is ambitious, but it is about doing good in our community. We will continue to do more of it whilst acknowledging our networks and partnerships are a great way to encourage further learning.”
As a business they have provided 600 apprenticeships this year and are aiming for 700 next year, with 1500 people already on career pathways at Compass UK. Plus, over 69% of its workforce are now paid real living wage or above – that’s an additional 20,000 people since 2021.
Aviva Stadium and Levy Ireland Announce ‘Return for Children’ Support from Aer Lingus Football Classic Match #
Aviva Stadium and Levy Ireland are delighted to support the Re-turn charity initiative, ‘Return for Children’, which encourages fans to make a positive impact through recycling. Starting with the Aer Lingus Football Classic match (August 24th), fans will have the opportunity to donate their plastic bottles, in support of the Return for Children six children's charities.
Launched in conjunction with Re-turn – operators of Ireland's Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) – visitors to Aviva Stadium can now donate their plastic bottles at designated Re-turn orange bins. All deposit proceeds will support the six national ‘Return for Children’ charities: Barnardos Ireland, Barretstown, Childline by ISPCC, Jack & Jill Foundation, LauraLynn Children’s Hospice, and Make-A-Wish Ireland. Donations will be split evenly across all charities, which address different aspects of children's needs, from healthcare and support for serious illnesses to providing essential services and advocacy for vulnerable children.
It is estimated that the Aer Lingus Football Classic alone could raise up to three thousand euros for these worthy causes. To maximise awareness and participation, the initiative will be promoted extensively throughout the Aviva Stadium.
Alongside raising vital funds, this campaign also promotes recycling and the reduction of the environmental impact of single-use drink containers at large-scale events, turning the recycling process into a force for positive change.
Aviva Stadium’s Head of Sustainability, Aidan Byrne said of the initiative: "We're delighted to partner with Levy Ireland and Re-turn on this innovative initiative. By reducing waste and promoting recycling, we're taking a significant step towards a more sustainable future. We encourage all of our fans to participate and make a positive impact while also making a tangible difference in the lives of children."
Martina Flood, Operations Director of Levy Ireland, expresses her enthusiasm, stating: "This initiative perfectly aligns with Levy Ireland and Aviva Stadium's commitment to sustainability and giving back to the community. By encouraging recycling and supporting local charities, the partnership ensures that every returned single-use drink container contributes to a more sustainable and environmentally friendly Ireland."
Ciaran Foley, CEO of Re-turn, said: "We’re delighted to partner with the Aviva Stadium and Levy Ireland in supporting our charity initiative 'Return for Children' and the valuable work being carried out in communities across Ireland. Through this partnership, we hope to not only provide the facilities for visitors to donate their plastic bottles, but also to highlight the importance of recycling and the impact of Deposit Return."
Speaking on behalf of the six charities, Make-A-Wish CEO, Susan McQuaid O’Dwyer, commented: "We are thrilled Aviva Stadium has come on board to support the 'Return for Children' initiative and are excited to partner with them for upcoming events. Aviva Stadium provides us with a wonderful platform to make a tangible difference to vulnerable children and those facing serious illnesses across Ireland, and we are incredibly grateful for their support."
‘Return for Children’ will be rolled out across all Levy Ireland partner venues in the coming weeks and months.
Sodexo and UCC raise £85k for Sodexo Stop Hunger Foundation through Aspretto coffee sales #
Sodexo, in partnership with coffee supplier UCC, has raised £85,000 for the Sodexo Stop Hunger Foundation. This substantial contribution has been generated through the sale of Sodexo’s Aspretto coffee brand across its sites.
Since 2014, Sodexo and UCC have worked together to support the Foundation’s mission to tackle food security. For every kilogram of Aspretto coffee purchased by Sodexo from UCC, a donation of 0.13p is made to the Foundation.
These donations support national and local charities fighting food insecurity and its root causes, as well as empowering women, who represent the biggest opportunity in eliminating hunger. Based on FareShare metrics, where each community meal costs 0.25p, the donations to the Fund will enable the redistribution of over 300,000 meals, supporting beneficiaries well into 2025.
In 2018, Sodexo and UCC also established the Coffee Growers Fund to support Fairtrade coffee producers. They donated £18,000 to a project in Peru in collaboration with the Fairtrade Foundation, which supported women coffee producers and their families.
Sodexo’s Aspretto brand is 100% Fairtrade, meaning that producers and businesses have met internationally agreed-upon standards that have been independently certified. By enjoying the taste of Aspretto, customers help promote the brand, ensuring that Sodexo’s global coffee volumes can drive even more impact back to the farms, resulting in greater positive contributions from fair wages that benefit the local communities.
The Sodexo Stop Hunger Foundation, a UK-registered charity, is an employee-led initiative and a key enabler of Sodexo’s social impact strategy, delivering impact for the most disadvantaged communities.
Camille Thobois, Sodexo Stop Hunger Foundation Lead said: “The Stop Hunger Foundation continues to benefit from Sodexo’s extensive ecosystem and close alignment with its operations. This creates greater opportunities for the Foundation to attract additional support from suppliers and businesses, further amplifying its impact. It is yet another example of Sodexo’s commitment to collaborating with providers to drive positive social impact through its everyday transactions."
Simon Delaney, National Account Controller, UCC Coffee UK & Ireland added: “The successful partnership between UCC and Sodexo highlights how businesses can collaborate to address global and local issues effectively. We look forward to seeing the impact of the donations help to improve food insecurity and empower communities.”
Stop Hunger’s work goes beyond immediate food aid activities. It is focused on changing lives by addressing the root causes of food insecurity with a focus on women’s empowerment. Thanks to the financial support of Sodexo, donations made to Stop Hunger go directly to financing activities and sustainable solutions for disadvantaged communities to exit food insecurity.
Sodexo retains contract with Twyford School for another three years #
Independents by Sodexo has retained its catering contract with Twyford School, one of the UK’s oldest preparatory schools, for another three years.
The contract, valued at approximately £1.6 million, reflects the successful and enduring partnership that began in 1989 between Sodexo and the esteemed educational institution.
Situated in the picturesque South Downs National Park, Twyford School currently educates 435 pupils and provides comprehensive flexi boarding for 100 pupils.
For over 35 years, Sodexo has been committed to delivering nutritious and delicious meals, fostering healthy eating habits among students. Led by catering manager Dean Wilkins, Sodexo’s dedicated culinary team of 14 provides everything from breakfast to lunch, supper, and evening snacks.
Twice a week during term time, Sodexo also serves match teas, catering for between 100 and 150 parents and 200 children each time, with offerings ranging from freshly made sandwiches and wraps to cakes, cookies, and brownies.
The collaboration between Sodexo and Twyford School is rooted in a mutual commitment to creating an environment where children can explore and enjoy a variety of flavours from an early age. From the youngest pupils in the nursery to those in the prep school, Sodexo’s culinary team ensures that every meal is prepared with care and creativity using the freshest ingredients.
Engaging with students and staff is a key component of Sodexo’s approach. Dean maintains a visible presence in the dining hall, gathering feedback and refining the menu as well as checking the washing-up area to see what’s being wasted, so he can tweak the menus accordingly.
Twyford’s Food Council, comprising of student representatives, meets with Dean twice a year to discuss new ideas and menu changes, ensuring the catering service evolves with the students' tastes and preferences. This responsiveness led to popular initiatives like allowing boarders to make their own pizzas.
Sodexo’s involvement at Twyford extends beyond daily meals. The team caters for various events, including annual cookery days with Year 8 pupils, Old Twyfordian reunions, formal drinks parties for parents, the summer ball, and fine dining evenings for staff and governors.
Despite the challenges of significant food inflation in 2022/23, Sodexo managed to stay within budget while maintaining high standards of quality and taste.
Simon Knight, Managing Director for Independent Schools, said: “We are thrilled to continue our longstanding relationship with Twyford School. Our ability to stay within budget, provide a diverse selection of delicious meals, and maintain a committed team is the reason Twyford School decided to renew our contract. This fruitful partnership is a testament to our shared vision of nurturing children's wellbeing and promoting a healthy relationship with food."
Twyford’s rich history with food dates back to when the school operated its own dairy farm until 1978. Today, this legacy continues with a walled garden producing fruits used in school meals, including eight varieties of apples made into juice.
In November 2018, in collaboration with Sodexo, "The Twyfoodian" cookbook was published. The book features 75 of Dean’s most popular recipes and has become a treasured item within the school community. A 2024 updated version of the book will go on sale in autumn term to coincide with the school’s opening of its new cookery school.
Sodexo’s commitment to the area extends to the local community, catering for events hosted by the parish council and Women’s Institute at Twyford School.
Kathryn Pillar, Bursar at Twyford Schools, added: “We are thrilled to renew our longstanding relationship with Sodexo. The Sodexo team is an integral part of the Twyford family, and we eagerly anticipate continuing our collaboration. Together with Sodexo’s talented team, we are proud to provide meal options that are not only delicious but also nutritious, balanced, and diverse."
FEA Foodservice Carbon Professional Warewashing module going live #
Latest training scheme delivers inside track on sustainable warewashing
The Foodservice Equipment Association (FEA) is launching its latest Foodservice Carbon Professional (FCP) module, Warewashing on Monday 16th September. Focusing on catering equipment, FCP is designed to help foodservice professionals get a full understanding of carbon net zero, sustainability and energy efficiency, so they can use the knowledge to help meet green targets.
FCP is made up of a Core Module that looks at the broad picture, plus additional sector-specific modules covering dedicated areas.
The FCP course is aimed at anyone working in the foodservice industry, including foodservice operators, dealers, manufacturers, designers, consultants, and suppliers.
As well as giving delegates the knowledge to make sustainable and energy efficient choices around warewashing equipment, the new module covers best practice and look at areas such as service, maintenance, and chemicals. It delves into the importance of mechanical components in maintaining sustainability, and looks at how the design, installation and operation of equipment can keep emissions to a minimum and reduce energy, water and chemical consumption.
Delegates will learn about areas such as regulations and legislation, energy measurement for warewashing, and the energy technology list (ETL). They’ll consider the impact of the lifetime emissions and embodied carbon of warewashing equipment, the environmental issues around cleaning chemicals, and the lifecycle cost and disposal of equipment. There is also a section covering the latest innovations and developments in warewashing technology.
The course includes cases studies to illustrate the equipment lifecycle, with practical insights showing how theoretical concepts apply in the real world.
“Warewashing is a significant consumer not only of energy but also water and chemicals,” says Adam Lawrence, marketing manager of FEA. “As such it’s a key component in the development of a sustainable foodservice industry. We expect this module to attract a lot of interest.” Anyone wishing to delve deeper into the course material can join the live launch webinar, hosted by Dr Sam Mudie, on 16th September. (Alternative link is tinyurl.com/34kc3fs5).
FCP is delivered via FEA Academy, the Association’s learning management system. It consists of online modules that are completed within 12 months, at the student’s own pace, and webinar tutorials. The main core course costs £750, with individual sector specific modules, including warewashing, costing £650. A combined core/category specific module deal is also available with core and one product module costing £1300 per person, a saving of £100.
More information on the course can be found on the FCP landing page, which is at fea.org.uk, under the learning and development tab (https://www.fea.org.uk/learning-and-development/foodservice-carbon-professional/).
Anyone wishing to start their carbon management accreditation can sign-up to Foodservice Carbon Professional here.
The Foodservice Equipment Association (FEA) is the independent, authoritative voice of the foodservice equipment industry, representing nearly 200 companies who supply, service and maintain all types of commercial catering equipment - from utensils to full kitchen schemes. For more information on FEA visit www.fea.org.uk
Sodexo Live! continues its successful partnership with Henley Royal Regatta #
Sodexo Live! has extended its contract with Henley Royal Regatta for a further five years, following a record-breaking year of sales at this year’s event.
Since 2013, Sodexo Live! has been integral to the Henley Royal Regatta experience, operating the Fawley Meadows site to deliver first-class food and hospitality. The world’s most prestigious rowing event attracts thousands of visitors annually and features thrilling races with Olympic rowers and new crews alike.
The contract will see Sodexo Live! continue to deliver hospitality, sales, and services, such as the full site build, (including its management), and the catering.
The contract renewal marks a significant milestone in the ongoing collaboration between Sodexo Live! and Henley Royal Regatta. In an exciting development, Sodexo Live! will also work with its STH business, a global leader in travel, hospitality, and ticketing programmes for international sporting events. Together Sodexo Live! and STH will build on the success of this year’s event, which achieved recording-breaking sales.
Guests at the Regatta can enjoy dining at iconic hospitality venues overlooking the River Thames, such as the picturesque yet relaxed Fawley Meadows lounge and restaurant, the picnic enclosure, riverside chalets, and Temple Island.
Claire Morris, CEO UK & Ireland at Sodexo Live! said: “We are thrilled to renew our prestigious partnership with Henley Royal Regatta. This year was an incredible success, and we are looking forward to continuing our journey of innovation and forward-thinking delivery at this major event on the sporting calendar.”
Daniel Grist, Secretary & Chief Executive, Henley Royal Regatta added: “Since 2013, Sodexo Live! has been an essential part of the Henley Royal Regatta experience, elevating the event with its outstanding food and hospitality.
“I am grateful for its long-standing support and am thrilled to see this partnership thrive and evolve.”
Sodexo Live! is also behind other major events this summer, delivering fantastic culinary experiences at Royal Ascot, the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, as well as at prominent venues such as Newcastle United FC, Brighton & Hove Albion FC, and Hampden Park in Glasgow.